Calvin Mackie
Calvin
Mackie earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and a
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from
Morehouse
College in 1990. He earned a Master of Science in 1992 and the Doctor of
Philosophy in 1996 in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech. He joined the
faculty at Tulane University
in 1996 where he continues to pursue research related to heat transfer and fluid
dynamics of phase change systems, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Mackie received the 2002 Black Engineer of the Year Award for College Level Educator, the Pi Tau Sigma/ASME Excellence in Teaching Award in Mechanical Engineering for 1999-2000 and 2001-2002, received a patent on a device to retrofit luggage stowbins on 737 and 757 Boeing commercial airliners in 1996 and authors a motivational column entitled, “Think About It!” for the Black Collegian Magazine. Mackie is a nationally sought after motivational and educational speaker and has presented to numerous civic, educational and private institutions and Fortune 500 corporations.
Solar Energy Applications
This presentation will discuss energy savings potential for residential and commercial entities via clean and simple photovoltaic power systems. New solar energy technologies and applications promote energy efficiency as an integral part of economic development planning by the state and local governmental entities, as well as by energy utilities, and commercial and residential developers. For example, photovoltaic roofing shingle systems have been shown to have a number of advantages to both the customer and developer of such roof systems. These advantages include compensation for power at retail electric rates, government willingness to pay premiums for clean power, opportunity to be an innovator, tax credits, and financing options. Applications in lighting, refrigeration or pumping are commonplace with hybrid applications such as solar dehumidification as emerging technologies. Cell conversion efficiency has always been a disadvantage with photovoltaics but new thin film technology points to a promising future.